I'm looking into buying a used BMW, and was hoping I could get some advice on price, reliablilty, performance, mileage, service problems, etc.

Here's what I know about the car I'm looking at:

Black 1984 BMW 325
76,000 Miles (Currently)
Great little car. Immaculate black interior, cd/am/fm aftermarket head unit
5-Speed Manual
In-Line 2.5 Liter 6 cyl
Power Everything, Sunroof
It has a trip computer that tells you range, mpg, avg. mph, ect
As you can see, the muffler needs to be re-hung, but that's the only work that needs to be done to it...

I've always liked the 3 series, but never could afford one. Now I found one at the right price, but I'm concerned with the car being 20+ yrs old due to my lack of knowledge of BMW engineering. I've heard it's difficult to work on if you're used to American cars.

Also, how quick were these things, and what kind of mileage did they get?

I am pretty sure it reads 102,000 miles. The cars are pretty quick, you won't be disapointed. It all depends on how you drive the car as far as gas goes. I usually get around 20-25 miles per gallon city, driving conservatively. When u get the car you should do a tune up so you can assure the best gas mileage.

Originally posted by jze325i@Apr 14 2005, 07:35 PMQuick is an overstatement.. How about ample..

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Y'know, the 325e doesn't get no respect.

Sure, it's not the 325i, with a 6500rpm redline or some 30 more horsepower. But even with the automatic, it's quick. According to the manuals, the 325e with a manual pegs 100km/h in roughly 7.2-7.5 seconds (the book says 80km/h in 6.9, so I'm averaging). The automatic is somewhere in the late 8 second area. It's not earth shattering performance, but there is much, much worse out there (ever drive a Chevette? howabout a Dodge Aries?). Plus, you drive in style. It's a Bimmer.

Get it checked out by a trusted mechanic. You're up for a second timing belt soon (unless it was just done, five years or 50,000 miles, make sure to check, ask for records). The odometer will not roll over. That's just in the cheap aforementioned American automobiles. Looks like a clean little car. Wish mine had a paintjob that nice. You won't be dissapointed with the Ultimate Driving Machine. First time I drove my car it blew me away.

It's a better deal than mine was, faded paint and all. I paid 4 large for mine, in Canadian funds. And I've got about twice the mileage! I'd say jump on it. It's a bit low though, take it to get checked out (brakes, fluids, filters, belts, the works) to make sure you're not looking any huge repair bills in the face soon.

The 325 with no letter after it was the first year of what we know as the 325e, just that they didn't bother with the letter on the trunk when they first came out. Same engine, with a 4500rpm redline, 121hp and 170lb ft of torque.